The statistics on maternal mortality published periodically by the World Health Organization are of limited value as they do not include figures from such largely populated countries as India China and Russia. It is thus necessary to revise the situation. Uniform statistics for all countries is not yet possible since countries without accurate registration of births and deaths must be tabulated separately. There must be diagnostic criteria and coding for developed countries as well as control over the diagnosis which appear on the death certificate. As was accomplished by U.S. obstetricians the Israeli Gynecological and Obstetrical Society set out to handle this matter. Patient names are obtained by the Ministry of Health and the Secretary of the Society prepares a file. The investigating body (3 members of the Society) interviews the attending obstetrician in secrecy in order to protect the identities of both hospital and patient. A few case histories are from time to time sent to maternity hospitals across the country where they serve as an effective and stimulating teaching tool. Such a method can only be utilized in a developed country where hospital births are the norm and where labor can be controlled. Until there is a change 2 separate types of statistics will have to be kept. The process of standardization will come through development and progress as is evidenced by the situation between the Jews and Arabs of Israel. Arab villages and urban areas are now included in a network of 70 health centers and an increasing number of women come to prenatal clinics. 50% of Arab women now deliver in hospitals. Statistics built on reliable uniform data will make us aware of changing trends and patterns and will serve as a powerful tool for inter-nation competition. (summary in FRE)